The island of Cyprus is located in the Eastern
Mediterranean.
Its neighbouring lands at the nearest coastal points are Turkey
40 miles north, Syria 60 miles east, Lebanon 108 miles
south-east, Israel 180 miles south-east and Egypt 230 miles
south. Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean.
It is smaller than Sicily and Sardinia and larger than Corsica
and Crete. The area of the whole island is 3584 sq. miles. (9250
sq. kilometers)
Northern Cyprus has four major towns, the capital being Lefkosa
(Nicosia), which serves as the main administration and business
centre. The other main towns Magosa (Famagusta), the country’s
principal port; Girne (Kyrenia), the main tourist centre well
known for its ancient harbour, and Guzelyurt the centre of the
citrus fruit industry.
The British interest in the island dates back to the 12th
century and has remained until present day with many British
ways being adopted by the government of the Northern Cyprus.
Therefore, the British are genuinely welcomed and the transition
could not be easier, as English is widely spoken and driving
being on the left hand side of the road.
Climate:
The climate of the island is an eastern Mediterranean type with
long, hot summers and relatively cool, short winters. There are
over 300 days of sunshine a year, the sea temperature is rarely
below 16°C and rises to 28-30°C during summer months, making
Northern Cyprus one of the healthiest places in the world in
which to live. The air condition is excellent and many
respirations difficulties either disappears of significantly
reduce as a consequence.
Shopping:
There is an extensive range of consumer goods and services
available throughout the island. Many of the popular imported
brand names are readily available and can be found in local
supermarkets. Fresh local produce can be purchased from a wide
variety of markets and small stores and there is wide range of
wines and spirits at very low costs: retailing at approximately.
VAT (KDV) is levied on most goods and services with rates
ranging from 20% down to 2%.
Banking:
Northern Cyprus offers a well organised banking system, with all
banking facilities catered for. Some banks operate their own
branches in London and others have arrangements with major UK
banks HSBC has a full service presence here. A deposit account
can be opened with ease in Sterling or any other major currency
and funds can be drawn in that denomination or in Turkish Lira
(TL), which is the local currency.
Investments:
Foreign investment is actively encouraged by the government of
Northern Cyprus and has led to numerous incentives to help
foreign nationals. Some of the facilities which have been made
available include exemptions on import duties, income tax and
corporation tax, in some cases up to ten years. Tourism in all
forms is actively rewarded by the government and in many cases
grants have been made available to assist in set-up costs.
Education:
General education standards in the TRNC are of a very high
standard and are borne out by the fact that there are four
universities based in Northern Cyprus. The majority of schools
offer bilingual education starting with kindergarten through
secondary school and finally university.
Medical:
The cost of medical treatment in the local hospitals is lower
than comparative care in the UK depending of course on the type
of treatment required. Accident and emergency facilities are
available at local hospitals. It is recommended that you seek a
local GP, many of whom have had UK experience, for many minor
ailments. Private healthcare is also available through a number
of international medical insurance companies if required. Dental
treatment is of a high standard and charges are moderate.
Churches:
The Anglican Church of St. Andrew’s, Kyrenia is conveniently
located near the town centre and services are held on Sundays
and Thursdays. All Christian communities are welcome. The Roman
Catholic Church is also based in the centre of Kyrenia with mass
being celebrated on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of each month. Other
Christian churches are located in Famagusta and Nicosia.
Other Useful Information
Electricity:
The supply is 220/240v AC 50HZ, with a standard UK 3-pin plug.
Water: By mains supply and in some cases supplemented by wells.
There has been a shortage of water in the past, however, the
government has taken major steps to rectify the situation.
Telecommunication:
International telecommunication facilities are a rapidly growing
sector of the economy. The company responsible for all
telecommunication also provides telex, fax, telegram
transmission and ISDN/e-mail facilities. When making
international calls the cheap rates are from 20:00 to 08:00 hrs.
Monday –Friday and all hours over the weekend. To dial from TRNC
to UK dial 00 44 and omit the first 0 of the UK code. To dial
from UK to TRNC dial 00 90 392 then the area code, followed by
the number required. N.B. Northern Cyprus is 2 hours ahead of
GMT.
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